Do superantigens play a role in autoimmunity?

Abstract

Mycoplasma arthritidis produces a typical soluble superantigen (SAg) which shares many characteristics with bacterial toxins and Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus SAg. However, this microbe is associated with an autoimmune-like disorder and this disease may therefore serve as a model to investigate the potential role of a SAg in autoimmune disease pathogenesis. © 1993 Academic Press Ltd.